Tax Scams 3/9/14

"…Talk to some people. Talk to my accountant …" Allen Abrams was stunned recently to get a phone call from someone who sounded like a legitimate I-R-S agent. He demanded a five-thousand dollar tax payment within the hour or else. Allen Abrams "I would be handcuffed and thrown in jail. It was absolutely the most terrifying thing I have experienced that I can remember." This type of brazen attempted fraud has happened in nearly every state. Consumer Reports says the first red flag was the phone call. The I-R-S typically contacts you first by mail, not on the phone. "Still, the imposters can be quite convincing. They often use phony names and IRS badge numbers. They even enlist accomplices who claim to be the police." Another type of scam can come through texts and e-mails, which demand confidential information claimed to be missing from your tax return. Tobie Stanger, "These so-called phishing schemes are aimed at getting important information like your Social Security number. That way the scam artist can steal your identity, and then they can claim your refund using a fraudulent tax return." The IRS does not ask for personal information by e-mail or text, so these too are red flags. Tobie Stanger, "If you think you have gotten an e-mail phishing for confidential information, send it to phishing@irs.gov. And if you get a suspicious phone call, report the incident to the authorities." You can contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. It may also be appropriate to alert the FBI. That's what Allen did after his accountant warned him the phone call was probably a scam.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

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